Importing from Container Field

I recently heard from a fellow developer that it is possible to import data from container fields. Meaning, you can insert an excel spreadsheet into a container and then, either locally or PSoS, can import that data into an existing table.

I have not been able to figure this out nor find much detail about it. Any suggestions or resources would be much appreciated.

assuming in the above you are currently on a layout/record that is holding that file in a container field

To import it, you need to export it somewhere first. Calculating $file as a file path will allow you to both export the contents of the container to a temporary location, and then import it using the same path.

For lines #5 and #6, make sure $file is not in quotes (I forget if filemaker displays it that way or not) when you type in the file path. If it's quoted, it will literally try to import a path called $file.

Lastly, swap lines #4 and #5, you want to export the container contents before you go to the destination layout and run the import action.